RSM UK announces new tax heads

RSM UK has appointed three new service line heads from within its ranks to lead and grow three of the firm’s key tax service lines.

Helen Relf will head up the firm’s private client services, advising the firm’s high net worth clients, while Rowena Cliffton will lead the indirect tax team which spans advisory, global compliance and digital reporting, and VAT technology.

Furthermore, Martin Cooper will lead employer solutions, comprising RSM’s employment tax, global employer solutions and share plans and reward teams.

In addition to the new service line heads, RSM UK has also promoted two new regional heads of tax, Elaine Shiels will lead the tax team in the Midlands, while Anthony Cox will lead the team in the North. James Morris will continue to lead the RSM corporate tax team.

Relf joined RSM almost 15 years ago as a tax director, before becoming partner in 2015 and she currently oversees a team of over 200 tax professionals.

Cliffton joined RSM in 2016 as an indirect tax director, progressing to partner in 2019. She specialises in advising large and listed businesses, primarily in the energy, defense, aerospace and manufacturing sectors.

Lastly, Cooper focuses on delivering tax-efficient solutions to reward clients’ employees using shares, share options and cash-based incentives. His clients include private equity-backed businesses and listed PLCs as well as high-growth companies and family-owned businesses.

Ali Sapsford, head of tax at RSM UK, said: “I’m thrilled to see Rowena, Martin and Helen take the reins to lead our tax teams through this next phase of growth, and I’m confident that our tax offering to clients will continue to be enhanced under their watch.

“I’d also like to say a big thank you to the outgoing tax heads – Gary Heynes, Anne-Marie Welch and Ian Carpenter – who have been fantastic leaders and role models for their teams and who will each continue to play essential senior roles as tax partners at RSM.”